Arjun’s Story

When Arjun joined SCO’s Individual Residential Alternatives program in 2014, his developmental disabilities and behavioral challenges greatly impacted his ability to function. They were so severe that he could not be in crowds, public spaces, and was unable to socialize. There were times when Arjun would refuse to eat meals with his housemates.

With the help and dedication of SCO’s staff, a plan was developed to help Arjun address these challenges and work towards achieving his goals. Last summer, Arjun attended the YMCA Camp Huguenot with his peers where he had a blast doing a variety of activities such as archery, rock climbing and canoeing. The fun did not stop there! After the camping trip, Arjun took a major step forward and drove to Battery Park with his sister and aunt. He entered the car with no hesitation and walked the High Line, went for pizza and drove around Manhattan with his family where he showed almost zero signs of anxiety.

Today, Arjun attends SCO’s community habilitation, partakes in various activities such as volunteering at canned food drives, delivering food to elderly adults, going to the bowling alley, and going to the local church’s gym to play basketball and soccer. Arjun spends quality time with his peers and he is now able to enjoy going out and be among his friends and family. He is also taking road-trips with his parents to Virginia and going on camping trips with his housemates without having anxiety.

Arjun’s breakthrough is the definition of a success story! He continues to thrive, and we are sure that Arjun will continue to work towards more independence and integration into his community.

Manuel’s Story

Manuel is a man with a plan. He loves to cook and aspires to be a chef at a 5-star restaurant one day. Until then, he hones his skills at home preparing his children’s favorite meals each week. A hard-working, single father of three teenagers, ‘family first’ is his mantra and guiding force through good times and bad.

When a series of unfortunate events caused Manuel to lose his job, fall behind in rent, and eventually lose his apartment, he worried about his kids, he worried for himself; he needed to find a way to keep his family together.

Manuel and his children moved into SCO’s Flushing Family Residence in Brooklyn to help him get back on his feet. Manuel recalls, “They gave us a second chance at life. SCO provided me with a roof over my head, access to food pantries, and even provided us with fun and recreation that lifted our spirits.”

While at the shelter, the family received counseling, housing services, and family support services to ease the transition. Manuel laid out a clear path for his family. His goal was to “find us a home, build a foundation, and get the kids in school.” He wasted no time in setting that plan in action. Manuel found steady employment working at a men’s shelter, which he recalls “opened my eyes and pushed me to want to be better and do better for my family.” Staff helped Manuel find an apartment suitable for his large family and their cat Patrick, who had been living with a friend. And all three children settled into their new schools and new life.

“SCO is heaven sent,” exclaimed Manuel. “I am able to do more for my family now and live a productive life.”

Program Spotlight

For over 50 years, SCO's Foster Care practice has been helping children and their families grow, heal and thrive. We find safe, temporary families for children and teens throughout New York City and Long Island.

East Brooklyn Community High School

East Brooklyn Community High School combines a quality academic experience, individualized attention and intensive support services to promote academic success among young people who have been truant or are not on track to graduate. In partnership with the NYC Department of Education, SCO’s Transfer High Schools are committed to helping students earn their Regents diploma, pursue higher education and discover their leadership potential. Family and community engagement, internship opportunities through the Learn to Work program, and state-of-the-art technology tools are hallmarks of our innovative and successful Transfer High Schools.

East Brooklyn Community High School is a Community School project, a model that aims to make schools the hub of enriching, supportive, and inclusive activities that bring together children, teens, and adults from our diverse community.

East Brooklyn Community High School provides students with a supportive and personalized learning environment. Our school features:

Small class sizes. Each class is limited to 20-25 students. Total enrollment is no more than 200.

Individualized relationships. Each student is paired with an Advocate Counselor who provides guidance and support as they set and achieve realistic goals.

Who Can Benefit from this Program

Students 16 through 20 years of age who are under-credited and want to receive a high school diploma

Age Criteria or Other Eligibility Requirements

Students 16 through 20 years old

How to Access this Program or Service

Contact the school directly

Ready to get started? If you believe East Brooklyn Community High School is right for you, please contact us at 718.927.6880 to schedule an interview with an Advocate Counselor.
You will be asked to provide a copy of your updated transcript and attendance history